The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce congratulates Gov.-Elect Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov.-Elect Sheila Oliver on their impressive win last night, and we wish them every success.
We must also thank Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno for her eight years of service in Trenton, and all she has done to support the business community during that time.
We look forward to working with the new governor and his team, and members of the Legislature, as we promote a strategic plan for a more affordable New Jersey, as outlined in a white paper we presented last month in conjunction with the Opportunity New Jersey coalition.
The time for action is now. Our residents and businesses need proactive vision and leadership so we can all afford to live, work and flourish in New Jersey.
This proposed legislation eliminates state and local tax deductions, which impacts 52 percent of families in New Jersey. It would limit property tax deductions to $10,000 and reduce mortgage interest deductions, both of which would erode property values, one of the most important financial assets for New Jersey families. Also many New Jersey taxpayers would see an increase in their federal taxes due to a change of rates.
This proposal is exactly what we do not need at this time.
If this legislation is approved, people and businesses will have another reason to leave New Jersey, and people thinking of living here or moving their business here will have another reason to look for an alternative.
At a time when the vast majority of candidates for tomorrow's election, including both major gubernatorial candidates, are stressing the need to become more affordable and competitive, this legislation would make New Jersey less affordable and less competitive, and impede our ability to climb back to an acceptable level of prosperity.
For these reasons, we cannot support this legislation in its current form.
We urge everyone in New Jersey to contact their Congressional representatives and tell them to oppose this legislation and to replace it with a bipartisan approach that fixes the tax code in a way that is fair and equitable for everyone.
- 2017-10-31
Richard S. Mroz, president of the state Board of Public Utilities since 2014, discussed New Jersey's Energy Master Plan and the work the state is doing to prepare for the next threat in the post-Sandy era, during an Oct. 31 address to business leaders.
Superstorm Sandy did many things five years ago - and one of them was to force the state and its utilities to get innovative.
- 2017-10-30
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's Liberty Gala Oct. 26 commemorated the 100th anniversary of Fort Dix, and celebrated military heroes of New Jersey dating back to the nation's birth.
Among those honored were Vietnam War veteran Col. (Ret.) Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient, one of the most decorated soldiers of his generation and currently a military affairs analyst for NBC.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's Liberty Gala this Thursday, Oct. 26, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fort Dix, and celebrate military heroes of New Jersey dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Among those who will be in attendance and honored is Vietnam War veteran Col. Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient, one of the most decorated soldiers of his generation and currently a military affairs analyst for NBC. Also attending is Sgt. Archie Fagan, a World War II veteran who served in the front lines, helped liberate Dachau concentration camp and attended the Nuremberg Trials.
Overall, the Liberty Gala will recognize New Jersey's military heroes past and present - from enlisted personnel to some of the nation's most celebrated commanders.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's Economic Impact on New Jersey
The Gala also will recognize the crucial role that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst plays in protecting our national interests, supporting worldwide humanitarian relief efforts and serving as an economic engine for New Jersey.
Joint Base MDL, forged in 2009 when three bases merged (the Air Force's McGuire Air Base, the Army's Fort Dix, and the Navy's Lakehurst Naval Air Base), is the second largest employer in New Jersey and it annually pumps about $7 billion into our state economy - equivalent to a Fortune 500 company.
"We need to remember these facts each time we hear that Washington D.C. is pondering another round of military base closures or consolidations," said N.J. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken. "We need to be ready to stand up for the Joint Base and the men and women who serve there."
Fort Dix's Centennial
Fort Dix, which turns 100 this year, is one of the most iconic military installations in the nation.
It has served as the embarkation point for millions of soldiers heading to war and their gateway back home. It opened as Camp Dix in 1917, a training and staging ground for soldiers headed to Europe to fight in World War I. The camp officially became "Fort Dix" in 1939.
The Liberty Gala is this Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Park Chateau Estate in East Brunswick. It is open to the media. Cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner begins at 7 p.m.
- 2017-10-20
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members exchanged business cards and discussed the latest Chamber programs, events and ways to grow their businesses at a networking event October 18 held in the suites of the Gannett NJ-Asbury Park Press headquarters in Neptune.
- 2017-10-13
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce honored four legislators, the head of the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and a tireless New Jersey energy company executive - all of whom have gone above and beyond to help recharge New Jersey's business climate - at a reception in Pennington on Oct. 11.
Amazon already has major locations in New Jersey and it has proven to be a great employer and good corporate citizen.
The NJ Chamber of Commerce would enthusiastically welcome Amazon's new headquarters in our state.
We would welcome with equal enthusiasm the many thousands of jobs it would create and the positive economic impact it would have on our state's economy.
Based on Amazon's stated plans and growth projections, the return on these tax incentives could be significant.
If the incentive package does not entice Amazon to select New Jersey, the NJ Chamber strongly urges state government leaders to distribute these same tax incentives to the legion of entrepreneurial, small and medium sized companies already situated in New Jersey and loyally doing business here.
We feel that the economic impact of providing these incentives would equal, if not exceed, the impact of a potential new Amazon location.
We must not forget that these companies are the backbone of New Jersey's economy and they create many of the new jobs here.
We are obligated to do everything we can to retain these businesses and provide them with the best and most dynamic platform on which to grow their companies.
We encourage New Jersey's Congressional Delegation to support legislation that would reform the nation's Air Traffic Control system. In order to make our skies safer and air travel more efficient, our nation's aviation industry needs long overdue upgrades
Faced with antiquated technology and staffing shortfalls, the U.S. air traffic control system is under increasing stress. Congress needs to act now.
The New Jersey economy and its residents depend on our aviation industry. We rely on the safety and efficiency of both local, regional airports and our larger international hubs. Given the importance of travel and tourism to our state, ensuring that we have a world-class air traffic control system should be a priority.